Matt Ahrens, California LMFT #115372
Find your clarity. Remove obstacles. Move forward.
When you choose to work with me, you're making a commitment to your own well-being and personal growth.
I'm Matt Ahrens and I help professionals, just like you; people who have it within themselves to thrive in their life, their relationships and their careers, but who just need support to work through what's getting in the way.
I love being a therapist, but this isn't my first career.
In what seems like a lifetime ago, I earned an MBA and worked in the Silicon Valley corporate world for many years, at first as an employee, then as a coach and consultant. I've been in many different professional environments and that helps me relate to my clients in ways that most therapists can't.
In my therapy practice, I've had the honor of working with many different professionals: leaders at big tech firms, founders of start-ups, CEOs, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, engineers, consultants, other therapists, professors, and teachers. And, practicing in the San Francisco Bay area, I've had the privilege of working with clients from six continents! Although they come from different backgrounds, we're able to form a strong alliance and build the long-term change they desire.
A big part of my personal and professional life for the past 25 years has been the Enneagram personality system. Some clients seek me out for this expertise, but most clients haven’t heard of it before. It’s a powerful map for personal transformation that informs my clinical work. If you’re interested, I’m happy to share more about it.
My training in Integral Counseling Psychology, Coaching, and the Enneagram means that I have the expertise you need and deserve when making lasting inner changes.
At the end of the day, you want to know you're working with someone who gets what it means to be a professional struggling to make sense out of life and relationships, right?
What is it like to work with me?
The foundation of the therapy is our alliance.
Our sessions are a judgment-free zone. I'm here to listen, understand, and accept you for who you are, providing a brave space for you to explore your inner world and express your thoughts and feelings. Wherever you are, that's where we'll begin.
What you want to get out of therapy is what will drive our work from start to finish. I'm here for you.
Together, we connect the dots on how your personal history created your personality, and how your personality impacts every part of your life, including your values, your strengths, and your challenges.
Clients often tell me how much I've helped them gain new insights into themselves. I know what works and I love helping my clients find real relief. The best part for me is watching them transform through the therapy process and reach the goals they had set at the beginning of our work together.
You’ve come to the right place.
You can turn things around.
You have a handle on some aspects of your life, but in other areas, you're confused, frustrated, and hesitant. It may have felt like this your whole life, but now it seems worse than ever. Despair creeps in sometimes. You beat yourself up about it. Don't you wish you could turn that around?
It’s your journey.
If you're a professional, ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery, I invite you to connect with me. Let's explore how I can assist you in building a life that resonates with your aspirations and inner peace.
Together, we'll answer the questions: "Where do I want to go? And how will I get there?"
Choose your next step.
I understand that reaching out for help can be daunting, but remember: seeking therapy is a courageous step toward a brighter future.
Many people take this step and are grateful they did.
Training & Education
Education & Licensure:
California Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #115372
Master of Arts, California Institute of Integral Studies; Integral Counseling Psychology
Master of Business Administration, Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science, Economics, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Trainings & Certifications:
Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Hakomi
Sensorimotor Psychology
Coaching, Leadership, and the Enneagram
Additional Positions Held:
Certification Coach & Supervisor: The Narrative Enneagram
Coach & Consultant: Arborvitae Consulting, LLC